the last meeting of the week

Fernando Mendez
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Hi, I’m Fernando Mendez, a design industry executive in Hong Kong. Every week, I meet with clients and colleagues to drive business—but once a week, I focus entirely on people, their creative projects, and the stories behind them. On this podcast, I dive into architecture, interior design, and innovative design projects, sharing insights from conversations with leading design professionals. If you love design, creativity, and learning from real-world projects, this podcast is for you.

  1. Apr 30

    From Art Student to Architect: Norman Ung on High-Density Living, AI, and Multi-Disciplinary Design

    Today, we are joined by Norman Ng, the co-founder of Hong Kong-based multi-disciplinary design studio, DEFT (Design 852).In this episode, we explore Norman’s fascinating journey from studying art in the UK to launching his own architecture firm at just 27 years old. We dive deep into what it takes to design for high-density cities like Hong Kong, sharing the creative tricks behind making micro-apartments not just livable, but comfortable. We also discuss DEFT's unique, carefree company culture, their expansion into the Philippines, and why embracing AI is the next crucial step for designers and architects who want to stay relevant. Finally, we share our thoughts on the future of housing and why community-centric co-living might be here to stay.Topics Covered: The origin of Norman’s surname and his early years balancing art and architectureTaking the leap to start DEFT at age 27 with co-founder Peter LampardWhy DEFT handles architecture, interiors, and branding all under one roofHow AI is reshaping the design industry (and why human "soul" still matters)Design hacks for micro-apartments and the reality of high-density livingThe long-term future of co-living in expensive urban hubs-Building an international studio culture between Hong Kong and the Philippines

    1h 11m

  2. Apr 30

    Artist Faustine Badrichani: Capturing the Female Body, the trap of Instagram and life in Hong Kong.

    In this episode, we wrap up a long week with French artist Faustine Badrichani. After 15 years in New York, Faustine and her family packed nine suitcases and moved to the "jungle" of Hong Kong. We dive deep into her creative journey, starting from a 365-day drawing challenge, to her upcoming showcase at Art Central.We discuss the evolution of her work—from painting to silicone body casting and unique vaseline-and-pigment body prints—and how motherhood profoundly shifts a woman's relationship with her body. Along the way, we debate the frustrating dynamics of modern social media, the bizarre censorship of the human body online, and why the Mediterranean Sea will always be the ultimate happy place.

    1 hr

  3. Apr 10

    Design Leadership: Transitioning from Creative Studio to Corporate Client-Side with Adrian Battisby

    In this episode, we welcome back Adrian Battisby, Vice President of Interior Design at Wynn Design and Development, to discuss his transformative first year moving from a design consultant role to the client side,. Adrian shares the "steep learning curve" of transitioning into a senior corporate leadership position and offers a toolkit of advice for designers looking to make a similar leap in their careers,.Key topics covered in this conversation include:• The Business of Design: How moving to a large-scale corporate environment actually freed Adrian to focus more on core design by offloading studio management tasks like HR, invoicing, and procurement to specialized internal departments,,.• Adapting Communication Styles: The importance of being a "chameleon" in your communication. Adrian explains why you must modify your language—using fast-paced, fact-based "headlines" for the C-suite, operational details for hotel staff, and technical facts for the finance team,,.• Poise and Presence: The role of professional coaching in developing the "white knuckle" confidence required to present multiple high-stakes projects to global executives in a matter of minutes,,.• The Wynn Design Aesthetic: A look into the "maximalist," theatrical, and "more is more" philosophy that defines the Wynn brand, and why it requires a specific type of designer who enjoys "surprise and drama at every turn",.• Leadership Philosophies: Adrian discusses his "servant leadership" style—pushing the team from behind to ensure they have the resources to flourish—and the vital rule of "critique in private, praise in public",.• Strategic Vision vs. The Pivot: Learning to maintain a creative vision while remaining humble enough to pivot 180 degrees when the business requires a change in direction,,.Whether you are an interior designer, architect, or creative professional, this interview provides deep insights into the business acumen and emotional intelligence needed to succeed on the owner/operator side of the industry,,.About the Guest: Adrian Battisby is the VP of Interior Design at Wynn Design and Development. He previously held senior roles at LW Design Group

    55 min

  4. Jan 26

    Andrea Bonaceto: On Curiosity, Technology, and the Search for a Shared Truth

    In this episode, Andrea Bonaceto reflects on a journey that moves from street music in London and a career in finance to a multidisciplinary art practice shaped by blockchain, AI, and philosophy. What emerges is a portrait of an artist who resists labels, follows curiosity as a guiding force, and sees technology not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a catalyst to deepen it. Bonaceto shares how moments of hype, sudden visibility, and creative overwhelm led him to question not just the art world, but the very idea of authorship, value, and progress.At the center of the conversation is Untitled, his evolving, global project that invites participants into an AI-powered immersive experience—part artwork, part collective self-portrait. Through stories of collaboration, doubt, and reinvention, Bonaceto explores what it means to create in a time when tools can generate answers instantly, yet questions remain profoundly human. The episode is an invitation to slow down, to think more deeply about why we make, and to imagine how art and technology might help us reconnect with ourselves and with one another.

    1h 2m

  5. Jan 18

    Batten & Kamp | Living and creating in the periphery of both art and design

    Ali Batten and Daniel Kamp are a charismatic couple that many years ago decided to join their lives and their talents. Together they create amazing functional sculptures that elevate the significance of each single object. After following them for many years I had the chance to chat with them and became enamored with they way the are and complement each other.

    1h 9m

  6. Jan 18

    "Disturbing society to keep it healthy" | Michele de Lucchi (ITALIAN)

    Coinciding with BODW in Hong Kong in December 2025, we had the chance to welcome Michele in our studio and listen to his privileged view on design, architecture and life. Michele has the experience of someone that has lived several lives and the energy and curiosity of someone that has many more in front of him. Special thanks to the Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong, his excellency Mr. Carmelo Ficarra for his assistance in making it happen. Also special mention to Mr. William Figliola for being of essential help in coordinating the recording of this episode.

    58 min

  7. Jan 18

    Massimiliano Merati: is there still poetry in the design business? | The future of the industry

    Italian design veteran Massimiliano Merati joins host Fernando Mendez for an unfiltered conversation about the evolution of the design industry, from family heritage to global powerhouse. From his early days in Brianza district to pioneering the Asian market for brands like B&B Italia and Molteni, Max shares lessons on risk, reinvention, and keeping “a little poetry in business.”A masterclass in design strategy, culture, and passion, from someone who has lived it all.

    1h 13m
  8. J.J. Acuña - Designing with Soul, Story, and Purpose

    11/28/2025

    J.J. Acuña - Designing with Soul, Story, and Purpose

    Fernando Mendez sits down with J.J. Acuña, founder of Bespoke Studio, for a candid and illuminating exploration of what it means to design with soul, intuition, and purpose.J.J. opens up about his 20-year journey in Hong Kong, from the intensity of corporate architecture to founding Bespoke Studio, a design practice that blends human empathy, cultural depth, and storytelling into every project.Together, Fernando and J.J. discuss how identity, intuition, and spirituality inform creativity in an age of noise and automation. Their conversation transcends design, and is an invitation to reflect on how we create, connect, and exist with intention.Host: Fernando MendezGuest: J.J. Acuña, Founder of Bespoke StudioProduced by: YescaSubscribe for more thoughtful conversations on creativity, culture, and the art of meaningful work.

    1h 27m
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About

Hi, I’m Fernando Mendez, a design industry executive in Hong Kong. Every week, I meet with clients and colleagues to drive business—but once a week, I focus entirely on people, their creative projects, and the stories behind them. On this podcast, I dive into architecture, interior design, and innovative design projects, sharing insights from conversations with leading design professionals. If you love design, creativity, and learning from real-world projects, this podcast is for you.

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